METUS MORTIS
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1. Metus Mortis
2. Blind Suffering
3. Shadowland
4. Checkmate In Red
5. Hollow Hideaway
6. Weakness Sows Its Seed
7. Into The Never8. Under Lights
9. Cycles
10. Behind
11. Meet Me In The Dark
12. Strength Of Will
Bonus tracks digipack:
Face Down
hidden track
Bonus track Japanese version:
Face Down
(E.O.C.) Cross God's Face
Savage (Helloween cover)Line-up
Andy B. Franck · lead & back-up vocals
Torsten Ihlenfeld · guitars, back-up vocals
Milan Loncaric · guitars, back-up vocals
Andy Mailänder · bass
Dieter Bernert · drums
additional musician: Michael "Miro" Rodenberger · keyboards
produced by Achim Köhler & Brainstorm
all songs written and arranged by Brainstorm
all lyrics and vocal-melody-lines by Andy B. Franck for Franck'n'Free Music
drums & vocals engineered by Achim Köhler
at House of Music Studios Winterbach (D) · May/June 2001
guitars & bass engineered by Torsten Ihlenfeld
at Storm-your-Brain-Studios Gerstetten (D) · May 2001
keyboards engineered by Michael "Miro" Rodenberger
at Gate Studios Wolfsburg · July 2001
mixed & mastered by Achim Köhler at House of Music
total design-concept by Andy B. Franck
typesetting by Karl-Heinz Schuster
total artwork by Jan Meininghaus
Photos by Axel Jusseit, except "Andy B. Franck · live" by Andrea Gaggioli
2001 / Metal Blade: 3984-14384-0 (lim.cd)/3984-14384-2
METUS MORTIS LYRICS
METUS MORTIS (intro)BLIND SUFFERING
Looking back I smile at the voices in my head,
That always said to keep this place secret
a spell that allows me to see
Because of all the subtle words,
I hear you scream
I've tread and spanned the horizon
To cross the blood red
I strike down the faceless and unknown
Now I'm branded
I fall down into your own despair
Voices within
Show me how and show me where
Blind suffering
Let me in, get me out
Lost my soul without a trace
Found it again in my secret place
The final tear
Will be lost in rain
First comes the light
Then comes the pain
My body trembles in fear
No longer controlled
Watching my dreams disappear
In the palace of gold
SHADOWLAND
I am the one, I can turn to the sun
Here in my own destiny
I used to bleed, like a suicide I need,
How come, I'm my own enemy
Don't you have the strength,
No desire for shore,
Weakened by the haze
I discovered your weakness
I'm heading to fall
Returning to hit your face
I'm looking over my shoulder
So I see..
Do you hear, I'm the fear of a shadowland
Kiss the dirt, taste the pain,
Your heart in my hand
And it hurts in my brain, and my head would spin,
Let me down, don't give up, don't give in
Never alone, never too far,
Now when I'm here on my own
Cut off my pride, but I'm still alive
Watching the daylight to come.
Thrown to the gallow, forgotten and sore
Nothing's forever and so we ignore
Come see sadness you never saw
I'm something a painter drawn
I like the way that you let me in your dreams
CHECKMATE IN RED
So empty inside
and I'm loosin' my pride
Thrill exploding out of me
Down to the ground
and my head's full o'sound
No innocence between
A victim of circumstance
Never had a chance
Sacrificed without a fight
Carry on with this lie
No matter how hard I try
Suffering one last time
and you don't know
I'll touch and add you to my fame
Welcome to my wonderland
I'll never understand why
Have I lived before
The illness and lies
The virus never dies
Rain may fall 'round me
I can't drawn me out
It's my last final step
Checkmate in red
Trying to make a stand, trying to hold a hand
as my bridges burn to the ground
I violate and I think I feel hate
as I stare my demons down
I kept you under the sun
Away from the cold
I sheltered you from the storm
The evil alive, no guiding, no hide
I see the look inside
My magic hand
Will strike you down
and rule the land
I'll take the crown
HOLLOW HIDEAWAY
A bleeding heart, a seal of fate
There is no crime, I'll re-instate
Love is a weakness, Lust conquers all
Cross my soul and hope to die
Where do you draw the line?
Enter my mind, can you stop the rage
No one shall mourn or pity your grave
Believe the lie, the line that you toe,
If you just do, do as you're told
The meaning of lust
The soul of life
When you're screaming from the sky
It's now or never
Inside your brain
It's a hollow hideaway
Out of pride, I'll isolate.my fears
Never turned my back on why you were here
Mapped out in scars, look to the skies
Your only salvation, so close your eyes
WEAKNESS SOWS ITS SEED
To find myself again,
The walls are closing in
Everything I make seems to take
Buried inside you,
Strangers I once knew,
When no one would take the blame
I put my trust in you,
pushed as far as I go
and for all reasons
there's only one thing you should know
Never mind the unseen, clouds fill my head
Blind without truth in a word
Watching over your steps
Weakness sows its seed
And I still can't sleep
I'm insane underneath your breath,
Who was supposed to feel the shame
It doesn't feel the same
As I feel no pain
there's no choice
better hear my voice
I found escape through dreaming,
have I been this before,
and then came the pouring rain
feeling the reaching over me,
my black sky
wondering what ever could it be
I try to hide away
There's no shelter to find
I've felt this way before,
so insecure
INTO THE NEVER
You know it's much too late,
'cause your destination ends ahead
where the water turns to steam
into a suicide machine
Capture the moment before it's gone
You've got the strength to carry on
Not always knowing, what's wrong or right
Your only choice is to decide
I'm back to take for you the blame
Here to receive for you the shame · into the never
Fingers of fire, coal and lead
Fondly love me till you're dead
Now you never will believe
You're dying to leave
Don't you feel my twisted mind
All you got is hate for mankind
Caught in a spiral, into the black
No need to see, cause I'll be back!
UNDER LIGHTS
What do we need and where do we go
When we get where we don't know
Tell them what they wanna hear
but what's the meaning
Always knew it was them or me
I always knew what I wanted to be
So many things I just can't explain
Is this the reason.
Too much tension brings me down
Touched and found and turned around
I'm really lost in fear and sin,
thinkin' how it might have been
speaking my mind to those who find
under lights made me blind
Read the rights a prophet's word,
we've learned to deal with the absurd
Scorching the edge of your soul
lust of season
Forgotten heroes, piles of dead
Colors change from green to red
Hurt's so bad, it's been so long.
I'm coming home
Taste the blood that I long for
A beating heart, slow and sure
Bless my soul, time has come
Innocence been long gone
All the wrongs just can't be right
Hear me scream and feel my bite
CYCLES
Who do you wanna believe
Where do you want me to hide
You just can't escape your past
A vision from your mind
What do you think, and what do you see
What do you read in their eyes
The promise cast, the hopeful lured
Stabbing by the pointed words
Make me
Help me try to understand
Hate me
Just because of who I am
Over the walls
where all your memories are lost forever
Hiding in your soul
I've seen it all before
Into the madness of the unknown now or never
Cycles forevermore
Why do you tell what you feel
Why do trust in the lies
High paid thief, another vote
Sharpened lies cut your throat
Lack of faith and hell awaits
Would be my destiny
For what you feel is right and sane
Instinct stifled be ashamed
Leave me
Believe me, emotions are running low
Break me
My hate that always grows
Save me
Sacrifice me, soon my reign will end
Heal me
Control me as my tears descend
BEHIND
If only I could trace that light
To ignore the blind
But you don't know
so go ahead and find your sight
I'm out of my mind and now it's time,
to count the bodies dead
last thing you know
a place to go you better check your head
You can never justify, no more reasons to excuse,
And you never can deny (all the tricks you try)
I can't understand, what's between you and me
and I feel no shame what I used to be
so I try to hide and deny my thoughts
What I keep inside, I'll never look behind
Hold your head up, bite your tongue
So you dig your own grave
Speak your mind or sell your soul
stand before you fall
I've walked upon the water
without even getting wet
and there's really not a thing
that I regret
everything I used to be has spiraled into insanity
every night I sweat and bleed
MEET ME IN THE DARK
This temple that's built so well
To separate us from ourselves
The shadows of fear, now over the land
In pain will your life surely end
Your addiction has brought you here
The consequences are too clear
Meet me in the dark
Your face is nothing than a transparent fixture,
Perception is nothing but a distorted picture
Now you resent what you became
The reality of only you to blame
Who's in your mind and who will command?
Now you'll face the truth and understand
My heart, my hand, always reaching.
Without you within, I was searching.
Meet me in the dark
Full moon is burning down
Meet me in the dark
My infection is going around
FACE DOWN
A little bit of love to grow
Give me a sign, I need to know
I've seen the way you've been stealin' with those eyes
When all is said and done, time marches on
Here in my deepest dream
Running through another scene
Any trip I make
No matter what it takes.
I cannot take the blame
for thoughts you send
But I can't play the game
Around the bend
Do you understand why
Exploring all the fear you hide
head strong I know, that I'll prevail
After you left behind
all the tears that you've cried
face down in my arena you'll fail
I'll get my independence free and clear
When this day comes I'll disappear
Someone take this cold from me
Let my mind run free it used to be
The trust I had has died all my words been proven lies
My senses under siege
Ingest the virtues I feel
A far, hidden place
It makes me feel safe ..
Consuming all you can
Wealth and stature makes a man
So now you know my name
Inside my mind
I am a man insane
my fear, my lust is all you find
STRENGTH OF WILL
You came to see, but you can't believe
Forever creation has conceived
The echoes of fate, a voice from the past
Innocence lost so long ago, until the last
Have your own god to whom you pray
Just let you be your own way
To show what you have done
That shows what you've become
It's like religion without believe
So they're forever in your mind
You loose your pride and face
My wounds are bleeding still
Your mind starts to fry
strength of will
Born to a world, so young and proud
But over your head hangs a cloud
to build up around them a infinite wall
Don't you know just who you are
Within a world of hate
There's no trust and there's no end
All pain sifts through your soul
You feel your back against the wall
You loose your pride and face
Your eyes open wide
Your mind starts to fry
Ripping inside
( E.o.C.) CROSS GOD'S FACE
Silent surroundings, black skies
On top of broken trust
A face frozen with fear
In memories dreams are lost
Can a device, read my mind
Just look in my eyes
Black as pitch
the picture is there
(to horrify) but why should I care
Raising hell and they're ready forfighting
I know
by the greed of a thirsty God
war
hunting humans and drinking white lightning
my fear
no you ain't got enough
Shifting Shadows in a demons race
Edge of chaos, cross God's face
They have watchers everywhere
But you don't know.
(you will never know)
Never born of the seed
Took life from a barren hand
Come from greed
Like a child in the form of a brokenman
Sadness in the heart
Like a storm that ripped apart
Walk through the ashes of man
Will there never be an end
METUS MORTIS STUDIO REPORT
Hi Folks,Three days ago, we finished the tour with King Diamond and now we are ready to record our 4th album "Metus Mortis". First of all, we changed our instruments with lots of tools to finish our Storm Your Brain Studios. Most of the work is already done, but we still had to build one wall to finish the recording room and separate it from the listening room. So, Milan is our architect and chief wall builder and the rest of us are carrying stones, concrete, water and everything else you need to build a wall. This means lots of dirt, sweat and blood but lots of fun, believe me. Unfortunately, our camera broke down so you cannot see us working, haha.
After we finished our work, we started to record the drums. As always, the beginning is setting up the drums, plug in the cables and start soundchecking. Now we are ready to record. We decided to start with "Meet Me In The Dark", a typical Brainstorm banger in the style of "Arena" from the "Ambiguity" album with one of the heaviest Brainstorm riffs ever!!!
Next one is "Cross Gods Face", a double bass driven riff, followed by some cool rythm changes in the middle part. Dieter starts the song with a cool little drum solo. "This has to get in!" he said, and think what · so we did.
After that, we recorded "Blind Suffering", probably the opener of "Metus Mortis", an asskickin‘ up tempo song with amazing fast doublebass parts in the chorus and a guitar riff right in your face and a very fast guitar solo in the middlepart. This is fuckin‘ heavy, dudes! And, as on the other songs too, but here especially, with amazing vocals from Andy.
Cycles is the next on the list and for us, this is the follow up to "Crush Depth" from "Ambiguity". Again some cool rythm parts in the bridge and the solo part, this one will brake your necks on future live shows! Milan meant that after this song he has to retire his right arm, because of the fast pickings in the song, hehe!
Next one is "Hollow Hideaway", listen to the chorus, what a great melody, even in the guitar solo in the middle but on the other hand as heavy and groovy as shit.
We go on with "Strenght Of Will" and "Shadowland", two uptempo songs with lots of doublebass parts and big chorus lines. To give you a short idea of the songs, "Strenght Of Will" will probably be the last song on the CD and follows a little bit the style of "Dog Days Coming Down" from "Unholy" or "Perception Of Life" from "Ambiguity", just way better of course and kind of a little darker from it’s expression!!! Hahaha! With a great double guitar attack solo. "Shadowland" is one of the songs we are very proud of, among all the others we’re of course proud of as well, but this is something special for us. For no serious reason, but everytime we play this song we think that we know this one for years already. Maybe comparable to "The Healer" from "Unholy" or "Tomorrow Never Comes" from "Hungry" again with a darker touch in the riffing.
Next on the list are "Weakness Sows Its Seed" and "Checkmate In Red", two lower tuned songs and if you like to compare them with older Brainstorm titles, let me bring three names in the round: "Beyond My Destiny", "Maharaja Palace" from "Ambiguity" and "The Other Side" from "Hungry". Do I have to say more? Very athmospheric, without losing the heavyness we like so much. And again, amazing vocals and guitar solos and a cool Asian touch in "Checkmate In Red".
The next two songs, "Behind" and "Into The Never", are two of the fastest songs we ever wrote. If you liked "Holy War", you’ll love "Into The Never". "Behind" has the craziest, heaviest guitar riff we ever did, the coolest drum and rythm parts and vocals that change their style more than twice. This shows again the great variety of Brainstorm, we think.
This brings me to the last two songs we recorded for "Metus Mortis", two real anthems, "Face Down" with accoustic guitar parts in the vocal part and very groovy with some cool bass parts of Andi M. Again with very melodic double guitar leads in the solo part.
"Under Lights" closes the circle and will sure be part of future live shows of Brainstorm. Starting with a melodic guitar solo, turning into a steaming bass/vocal part and ending in a great chorus this song is made for the stages of the world.
Well, this is the end of our studio report. Kind of different from other studio reports, but we wanted to give you a small impression of what we think of the songs and we hope you can feel how much time, heart and sweat we put in our music and how proud we are of the new songs. Hope you like "Metus Mortis" as much as we do.
Cheers · Todde & Brainstorm
May-June 2001
METUS MORTIS TRACK BY TRACK
BLIND SUFFERINGThe Opener! Something like the (secret) titel track of the album. Both · the album titel and the album cover · are represented best by this song. You should be open for critical and other opinions than yours, but stand for your opinion, if you think you're right. Doesn't matter if wrong or right in the end. Don't stand silent without saying your opinion. That's what makes people sick. Stand up for your rights and strike back if necessary!
SHADOWLAND
Nowadays, there are obviously more hidden, secret religious groups than most of us thought. This may be o.k. for people who think they get (physical and mental) help out of this and gives them hope not to be alone it this cold world · but · strangely and badly enough · most of the time there's only one person who makes profit (financially or fysically) out of it. The so-called leader of such a group. And many, lonesome and dissapointed from life, people follow those leaders with totally giving up their own personalities. This song is written from a (possible) leader's point of view, his way to find the weak points of his followers and to use this for his own advantage and profit. In the lyrical story, some groups are operating together like indepent, but very close companionships. The so called 'Shadowlands'!
CHECKMATE IN RED
As we had on "Ambiguity", here again, some oriental tunes in the music. Something like the musical and lyrical brother of "Maharaja Palace" from the last CD.
The story brings us to India and is about the oppression and torture of people, who are different minded than the leaders say they have to be; and shows the cruel, despising machinations behind the golden towers in the dungeons and oubliettes of the palaces. The lyrics show the situation of an adolescent, who is abased by the leaders. He sees himself being part of a bloody 'chess game', unable to control and react on his own authority. In "Maharaja Palace" we had the entry into the dungeon, now we have finally arrived in the deepest dungeon of the palace. With a little preview into the future and the historical revolt of the oppressed slaves and the end of the torture. But more of this next time...
HOLLOW HIDEAWAY
Within various religious conflicts there are always the so called 'leaders' who try to influence 'weak characters' to act totally for the leaders wishes. This is the way such otherwise aimless fanatics arise. This dissipated, violent potential of such leaders brings people to intimidate and to give up their social contacts and relationships. That's the wrong way to give life a new sense. You should hear deep into your inner voice and think twice. To be dependent and to let your whole life be controlled from one single, rather unknown person cannot be the real meaning of our existence.
WEAKNESS SOWS ITS SEED
That's a song about spacial and psychical restriction. About people, who can not leave their houses due to certain phobias and trepidations or people who are trapped in their own mind. Some people, who realize their weakness, or better, their fears, give themselves up and let their fears take control over their lives. And there are some that create their own demons without having any problems just because of a maybe boring life. Try to accept that, often natural, fears are sometimes the best way for a healing process.
INTO THE NEVER
Losing well known people or being always misunderstood or even not understood at all can arise refusal and anger against mankind. You feel like you fall "Into The Never". The lyrics describe, sometimes from one's own, sometimes from another person's point of view the morally break-up of a dissapointed human being.
UNDER LIGHTS
Do you know the feeling, when you look into a lamp or into the sun and you try to watch a certain object after that? You don't see anything, you're still dazzled. Dazzled like we are nowadays through the media, through advertisements. Even if we know or feel something is wrong, we often cannot or aren't able to see the truth. And sometimes we just don't want to see it. Altough under such lights many things come to the surface, no one should believe everything he sees and hears in the media without trying to question him-/herself critically, if this is correct or not. Again, face your fears and be brave enough to try to get to the bottom of your questions and doubts. Here compared with dark powers/mights that try to possess your soul and enslave you.
CYCLES
A persistent recurrent spiritual cycle. Everything comes or gets back sooner or later! Doesn't matter how you squirm and withe (or dodge), life and everything that happens on your way of life is prisoned in a recurrent cycle. Your past stands as the future in front of you, sometimes. But when? From that point of view, I think it is important to believe in yourself and always work on yourself. Try to solve problems on your own if possible and don't trust too much in the help of others. Maybe next time you fail if nobody helps you. Compare · do mouth and eyes speak the same language or are the words spoken with a cloven tongue?
BEHIND
The escalation of religious wars in the middle east and on many other parts of the earth is very convulsing. Everything is done to show the antagonistical religion as hostile to the own faith and their effacement is the only alternative. So, many people eschew to look behind the facade and get a different, personal point of view. Children are really not responsible for where they are born and where they grow up, however, they are passing for enemies from their date of birth, just because they are born on the wrong side of town, f.e.. What kind of a world are we living in?
MEET ME IN THE DARK
This one has a more futuristical touch. The story is about two guys who meet in the cyber space. I am a PC-game freak, myself, so I can absolutely comprehend, how fast reality and fiction can become blurred. In this song, the consequences are by far ghastlier/crueller: the one who loses in the cyber space, loses also his real life. Addiction drives people insane. Here only the cyber space, but also comparable to many other situations.
STRENGTH OF WILL
Your will is deciding. When your past overtakes you, this can tamper you more or less, depends on how strong you are and were from your character. It either strenghens you or makes you weaker. But there's no reason not to stand upright. What happened, happened. Stay as you are and stay yourself, as we do!!!
Cheers, Andy
METUS MORTIS REVIEWS
Metal Observer · 9/10 · Alex
With "Metus Mortis" (= fear of death) the German BRAINSTORM are delivering their fourth album to date, the second one with SYMPHORCE-shouter Andy Franck at the mic. And they show that they, just like with the previous albums, have again managed to get better.
In the Power Metal-area BRAINSTORM for sure are one of the German bands that sounds least German, American Power Metal paired with at times thrashy guitars and Franck's original, brilliant vocals, ranging the whole way from emotional to aggressive, whatever the song needs. So VICIOUS RUMOURS or METAL CHURCH and colleagues are far more apparent than any compatriot band.
Packed into a great production BRAINSTORM are firing damn heavy riff-volleys together with a damn tight rhythm-section and damn melodic and hymnic choruses, which drill their way directly into your brain. No matter if double-bass-driven steamrollers like "Shadowland", "Into The Never" or "Strength Of Will", the sequel to the brilliant "Maharaja Palace" off "Amibuity", "Checkmate In Red" with its oriental melodies, the dramatic "Hollow Hideaway" or crunchy mid-tempo-crackers like "Weakness Sows Its Seeds", BRAINSTORM prove in all categories that they are not only in the German, but also the European premier division by now, with no "ifs" or "buts"!
That BRAINSTORM also use some keyboards to refine their sound should not scare off anybody, because they are neither omnipresent nor are they ever pushing to the fore. The lyrics also are absolutely worth reading, as prime example I could, like a few colleagues, mention "Behind", which deals with the problems in Near East and the reasons for this.
Also blessed with a very interesting cover I really don't know what should prevent any traditional Metal-fan (or maybe also those, who want to become one) from buying "Metus Mortis"! So off you go, get it!
Metal Reviews · 94/100 · Danny
If you are a long time reader of metalreviews.com, you noticed that Brainstorm's previous album has been elected surprise of the year 2000. So you can imagine how much I was expecting this one (actually I was wondering if I would ever receive the promo).
Yes I was afraid when I hit the play button .... but hell yes Brainstorm delivers again a wonderful lesson of heavy/power metal. I think time has come to compare this band to Iced Earth as Brainstorm is showing album after album its full talent. And the best is about to come as Brainstorm's potential is still hidden.
But let's take one event after another and let's appreciate this Metus Mortis before looking too far in the future. So how sounds this Metus Mortis ? Is it better than Ambiguity (previous album) ? I will say much more mature, but above all, Brainstorm is now recognizable and has its own sound. Brainstorm sounds like Brainstorm and I think this is the best award a band can dream of.
It took me some spins to enter in this one : at the beginning, I thought Metus Mortis was very repetitive (especially the riffs and the guitars solos), but Andy B. Franck's vocals changed my first impression. What a fantastic performance from Andy (yes man, you did it again). Now, the more I listen to Metus Mortis, the more I realize it is a masterpiece. Full of melodies, killing choruses and every song is in fact a hit. In other words : A must !!!
Brainstorm has overpass the rocky scene. If you are fan of Savatage, Vicious Rumors (Digital Dictator), Forbidden or Iced Earth, follow this advice : don't miss this one !
Can't you believe this band will tour with Grave Digger early next year. What a metal hell of a party it is going to be ;-) ...
Metal Temple · 8/10 · Makis
Just when I was thinking that we were done with all the worthy releases of 2001, Brainstorm came to prove me wrong. I have to admit I didn’t expect something like this. I was positive the band couldn’t do something better than Ambiguity, but I was wrong once again.
Metus Mortis is the fourth album of the band and since they are Germans I am sure you can imagine what their musical style is. Yeah it is good power metal. This time they have moved to more classical forms but it has their typical melodies played a bit heavier than before.
Endless energy, powerful songs and nice choruses are some of the elements that make Metus Mortis a very successful release. The album contains some oriental tunes and that shows that the band begins to acquire a more Eastern direction. Actually "Checkmate In Red" looks like a successor of the "Maharaja Palace" and you can find many similarities between the two songs.
The lyrics are about the social problems the people deal with. You can see that intensely in the tracks "Shadowland", "Hollow Hideaway", "Weakness Sows Its Seed", "Into The Never" and "Strength Of Will". Andy B. Franck seems to be pretty concerned with nowadays’ situation and he expresses his worries and feelings with his songs.
Brainstorm’s new release doesn’t lack anything. The production is a killer one with the drums sounding heavier and ’higher’ this time, the riffs are spitting fire, the keys gives out a special effect, the mid-tempo songs are dynamites and the use of backing vocals gives an extra-power to the choruses. Generally the songs sound solid and made me bang my head for hours. You can’t resist, you just surrender.
I shouldn’t forget to mention the amazing cover art, that is one of the best heavy metal covers I have ever seen and completes perfectly the whole package. This is another proof of how professionally the band works. I’m sure that this album will please all fans of the band and will bring to them many new ones also. So, in case you haven’t checked out their work yet buy Metus Mortis and you won’t be disappointed. Brain-Blaze!!
Morrigan's Pit · 5/5 · Marlies
I didn't expect the new disc to be much different from "Ambiguity", but still "Metus Mortis" surprised even me, the die-hard fan. First of all I was taken by the fact it's much thrashier again, secondly because the songwriting has gotten even better and the whole disc is more of a unity than the previous one was. On the other hand, one might miss "Ambiguity"'s diversity, but if you get your hands on the digipack, you'll also get a lower paced and more epic bonus-song, "Face Down" - in the vein of "Ambiguity"'s "Beyond My Destiny", plus a steaming hidden track!
But let's concentrate on the regular songs. The title song is the intro which is way different than the unbeatable "Crush Depth"-intro on "Ambiguity", but very atmospheric and building up nicely to the drum-intro of "Blind Suffering", immediately showing what this album is about: energy! There is not one filler, which makes it hard for me to point out any favorites, but I'll try: "Shadowland" & "Checkmate in Red" (simply great songs), "Weakness Sows Its Seed" & "Under Lights" (lower paced but very driven; awesome vocals) and "Cycles" (headbaaang!). In general the songs exist of killer riffs and massive double bass for the aggression, twin-leads and killer refrains for the melody, many interesting details for longlasting fun and a great production by Achim Köhler.
Andy B. Franck's amazing voice again brings the band to the next level. More than ever before he sings melodic as well as aggressive, growls, uses almost-spoken parts ("Weakness Sows Its Seed" or Mustaine-like in "Behind") and I even hear some vocal Vio-lence influences in "Cycles". The main topic in the lyrics is human fear ("Metus Mortis" means mortal fear). Musically some songs are a kind of follow up on an "Ambiguity" song, like "Arena" & "Meet Me In The Dark", "Perception Of Life" & <"Strength Of Will" and most of all "Maharaja Palace" & "Checkmate In Red" (incl. the oriental theme).
It is an album that will fullfill all your metal needs and will continue to do so after 20 or 50 or 500 spins!
Sacred Embrace · 9.5/10 · Clare B.
After hearing Brainstorm’s 2001 “Metus Mortis” album, it quickly dawned on me that I had become a lifelong Brainstorm supporter—so when I got the “Liquid Monster” promo in the mail, I nearly shit my pants with excitement. After hearing the record, that act would have been entirely justified.
Excusing my vulgarity, I will attempt an explanation.
“Liquid Monster” presents all the elements we’d expect from these Germans: hard-hitting riffs, pounding drums, incredible lyrics, killer production…There’s sufficient familiarity to reinforce Brainstorm’s unique character, yet the band has progressed enough to prove they won’t stagnate anytime soon.
On the whole, “Liquid Monster” is very memorable; after merely one listen, I had retained numerous songs, which is extremely rare considering my poor memory! There is so much diversity in the pieces, while the band has remained true to their distinctive selves. They have exaggerated variety in pacing (we even have a ballad!) and melody—particularly in the vocals. Andy B. Franck’s trademark, understated vocal melodies are still dominant, but within them we have gained more diversity and catchiness. Plus, he shows off his massive range (about four octaves), something which the previous album (“Soul Temptation,” 2003) sorely lacked. The improved vocal melodies with the continued musical aggressiveness really create balance and freshness.
Brainstorm, while they release more standard music (meaning they’re not Progressive), have an excellent sense of composition and arrangement. Whoever writes and organizes the music knows exactly what they’re doing. One thing I’ve always appreciated abut them is their use of keyboards, though there isn’t actually a keyboardist in the band. Overbearing, whizzing, Finnish-style keys would kill the music, but the subtle synths, when implemented, augment the creations. “Liquid Monster” has the usual Brainstorm mechanical-sounding keyboard blips, but they album also presents the neutral sounds of strings and oboe, which help hype up the emotional factor—especially in the ballad, “Heavenly.”
Also contributive to the emotions are the lyrics—they’re in the same style as we’re used to. Now, that’s one thing I hope won’t change. I often cringe at ‘Power Metal’ lyrics, but Franck is the author of veritable poetry, both in Brainstorm and Symphorce (you should check them out, too). The words are melancholy, poignant, cerebral, introspective… Franck expresses himself better than many native English speakers, while still being largely cryptic. The often aggressive or ‘venting’ style fits the driving music to a tee.
“Worlds are Comin’ Through” was a good choice for an opening number—while it’s not my favorite song, it kind of picks up where “Soul Temptation” left off, yet it projects the more melodic style of “Liquid Monster” efficiently. The following “Inside the Monster” is a strong, heavy outfit with a great chorus. Track three, “All those Words” (the single from the album) is one of my favorites, and is one of the more emotional pieces. There’s also a counter-reference of sorts to a “Soul Temptation” song, “Highs without Lows” with the phrase ‘I’m losing my mind, there’s no highs, only lows,’ which might amuse other Brainstorm aficionados. This mid-pacer also has a female singer (Carmen Schäfer), who joins Franck in the refrain.
Other choice numbers include “Lifeline,” “Painside” and “Mask of Life,” another emotional song. Special mention has to go out to the aforementioned “Heavenly,” the first Brainstorm ballad since the “Ambiguity” album in 2000.
“Liquid Monster” ends with “Burns my Soul,” a really emotional and solid piece. The somewhat upsetting lyrics and groovy pace marry well, forming a satisfying conclusion to the record. Those are just the standout tracks to me personally, but I love the whole damned album, from start to finish.
Since discovering Brainstorm, I’ve always enjoyed what they had to offer, but I feel like they’ve truly created a masterpiece this time, and I hope “Liquid Monster” will be hailed as such.
Walls Of Fire · 8/10 · Mac Duff
On the BYH 2001, as at 12 am I dragged my feet to the stage to look for the for me yet-unknown BRAINSTORM, I was pleasantly suprised by the energy the band, above all singer Andy B. Franck, which came from stage. And although I stood somewhere beside the mix towers my bang-sensors stroke out. Respect! So With a certain interest I awaited the new, forth album called „Metus Mortis“, which may rotate in my player now three months later. Friends of Heavy and Power Metal can look forward, because Brainstorm deliver pure metal of ist own origin, which might also be something for the gourmets among you. Very well I taste the powerful the voice of Andy B. Franck, which amazingly harmonizes with the steamhammer riffs. Mostly the Brainstorm songs force you to bang! And just this should be a buy argument. The suabian metalers also can do different and play some nice, hymnic straight songs, as e.g. „Hollow Hideaway“. Brainstorm’s influences are to come from the 80ies, since you can hear some stuff which could have been from METALLICA or MEGADETH. Though they don’t behave such as conservative and try something, as the voice effects on „Into The Never“. The fresh production supports the feeling that you don’t have it to do with old stuff but with a Heavy Metal album AD 2001. Unfortunately I miss diversity on the choruses, since I still can’t distinguish between the choruses of the different songs. But this disturbed the fun only casually and on the whole „Metus Mortis“ is an album which the bangers among you, who maybe were disappointed by the latest albums of acts like ICED EARTH, can purchase it confidently.
Amazon · Reinhard Mayerhofer
Mittlerweile haben Brainstorm vor allem durch Ihren neuen Output "Liquid Monster" einen bemerkenswerten Sprung auf der Erfolgsskala gemacht. Ich persoenlich halte aber "Metus Mortis" nach wie vor fuer das Beste, was die fuenf Schwaben uns bis dato vorgesetzt haben.
Allein von der Hitdichte her ist es schon ein fast sensationelles Album. Bereits das fulminante Opener Triple "Blind Suffering"/"Shadowland"/"Checkmate in Red" sollte jedem Power Metal Fan die Traenen in die Augen treiben, und stellt klar wo die Stärken dieser Band liegen: hymnische Mitgröhlrefrains, die an den klassischen US Power Metal der Marke Metal Church erinnernden Riffs, durchaus niveauvolle Lyrics und als Draufgabe einer der besten Shouter die diese Welt jemals gesehen hat.
Was Brainstorm aber tatsaechlich in die Top Liga der Szene hievt, ist der Variantenreichtum der einzelnen Songs. Auf dem hier beschriebenen Output gebührt vor allem "Weakness sows it's seed" besonderes Augenmerk. Eingeleitet von balladesken Klängen mit dezenter Keyboard-Untermalung wandelt sich der Song waehrend der Strophen in ein fett groovendes Riffmonster mit phaenomenalem Gesang um dem Hoerer beim gesprochenen (!) Refrain eine Gaensehaut sondergleichen zu verschaffen. Grosses Songwriting!
Wenn man darueberhinaus neben den bereits erwaehnten Songs noch Superhits der Marke "Under Lights" (DER Brainstorm Song schlechthin) oder "Cycles" vorweisen kann und somit auf die insgesamt 12 Songs nicht weniger als 6 - 7 astreine Hits kommen, gibts wirklich nichts mehr zu bemaengeln. Dass dabei Tracks wie "Into the Never", "Hollow Hideaway" oder "Strength of Will" die auf bei so manch anderer Band als Hits gehandelt wuerden in den Hintergrund treten spricht fuer sich.
Trotz aller Klasse des atmosphaerischeren direkten Nachfolgers "Soul Temptation" und des auch nicht zu verachtenden aktuellen Outputs "Liquid Monster" ist "Metus Mortis" das Beste was Brainstorm bis jetzt veroeffentlicht haben und schlichtweg ein Pflichtbestandteil in jeder anstaendigen Plattensammlung.
Bright Eyes · 12/13 · Tom Klaner
Der Name Andy B. Franck wurde in letzter Zeit immer öfter mit Superlativen verbunden und jetzt bin ich auch so weit, dass ich einige dieser doch so verschmähten Worte gebrauchen muß. Nach ihrem erfolgreichen letzten Album „Ambiguity“ schieben Andy und Co. nach nur gut einem Jahr Pause, rechtzeitig vor Einsetzen des kalten Winters das nächste erwärmende Brikett Metal in den Ofen. „Metus Mortis“ ist ein typisches Brainstorm-Album, das eigentlich keine Wünsche offen lassen dürfte, auch nicht zum Feste. Songs wie „Blind Suffering“ oder „Under Lights“ liefern das volle Metalbrett und besorgen es den Metalheads gewaltig. Andy leistet sich am Mikro keinen Fehler und variiert seine Stimme je nach Bedarf. Wenn man bedenkt, dass sich Andy auch noch ganz nebenbei bei Symphorce austobt, dann ist das schon beachtlich. Da aber doch ein, zwei Durchhänger auf „Metus Mortis“ verborgen liegen, kann ich leider nicht die Höchstnote zücken. Trotzdem eine Verbeugung vor diesem Metalscheibchen.
Darkscene · 9/10 · DarksceneTom
Mit ihrem nunmehr vierten Longplayer schaffen es BRAINSTORM erstmals mich vollends zu überzeugen. Zwar waren die ersten drei Releases definitiv auch nicht von schlechten Eltern und zweifellos immer eine Weiterwicklung merklich, doch fehlte es ihnen einfach am letzten Kick und an der nötigen Klasse um sich aus dem Dschungel der monatlichen Veröffentlichungen merklich hervorzuheben. Mit METUS MORTIS werden nun aber jegliche Zweifel weggefetzt, denn was die Deutschen hier bieten ist einfach nur grundsolides Power Metal Handwerk auf allerhöchstem Niveau. Satte Riffs, gewaltige Songstrukturen, spitzen Refrains und ein alles überragender Sänger ergeben alles was ein gutes PM Album von Nöten hat. Vor Allem der Einstieg von Andy B. Frank (ex- Ivanhoe), einem der wohl besten deutschen Metal Shouter, hat die Band um Meilen weiter gebracht und was auf dem letzten Album bereits ansatzweise zu erahnen war, wird nun endgültig in die Tat umgesetzt und konsequent durchgezogen.
Vom ersten bis zum letzten Track wird hier einfach nur geiler und perfekt produzierter Metal geboten, der eigentlich zu keiner Sekunde des Albums auch nur geringfügige Schwächen aufweist, schnell ins Ohr geht sich dafür aber nie und nimmer abnützt und einen sehr lange andauernden und ungeheuer befriedigenden Ohrenschmaus garantiert.
Nach dem kurzen Intro gibt’s mit "Blind Suffering" einen, für dieses Album etwas sperrigen, aber absolut programmgemäßen Opener mit modernem Riffing und geilen Gesangslinien. Von nun an dominieren aber einfach nur geradlinige, sehr bodenständig und harte Power Metal Song allererster Klasse, die vor Allem aufgrund der Gitarrenarbeit sehr an die göttlichen VICIOUS RUMORS erinnern und aus denen sich eigentlich nur schwer Favoriten herauspicken lassen. Die besten Songs dieses Hammeralbums muß eh jeder für sich selbst finden. Mir persönlich gehen das super groovende, beinahe an die genialen CONCEPTION erinnernde "Hollow Hideaway", das schnelle Riffmonster "Into The Never" und der traditionelle Stampfer "Meet Me In The Dark" wahrscheinlich am Besten in die Gehörgänge. Was soll’s, jeder Song steht für sich und jeder einzelne Song ist absolut geil.
Mit dieser Scheibe kann man BRAINSTORM fast bedenkenlos in einem Atemzug mit Giganten wie VICIOUS RUMORS, METAL CHURCH oder auch QUEENSRYCHE nennen, denn im Gegensatz zu diesen einstigen Götterbands (R.I.P.) machen die Deutschen immer noch, oder eben gerade jetzt perfekten Power Metal, wie man ihn leider von vielen der alten Helden nur mehr selten zu Ohren bekommt. METUS MORTIS klingt sehr US Power Metal lastig und ist ein spitzen Album, wie man es eigentlich von einer deutschen Band nicht unbedingt erwarten konnte
Metal.de · 8/10 · DanDevil
Mit "Metus Mortis" haben sich die deutschen Ausnahmemusiker von BRAINSTORM wirklich selbst übertroffen. Die herrliche Scheibe bietet dem hungernden Fan wahrlich alles, was ein modernes Power-Metal-Album braucht, um zu gefallen. Gute, ausdrucksstarke Lyrics und ein musikalischer Background, der durch seine Vielschichtigkeit glänzt und zu keiner Minute Langweile aufkommen lässt. Zudem hat sich kein einziger Song der Kategorie "Redundanz" auf dem vierten Album der Germanen eingeschlichen, was ja in der heutigen Zeit doppelt viel wert ist. Ob man sich nun am genial-eingänigen Refrain von "Shadowland", am herrlich melancholischen "Weakness Sows Its Seed" oder am hymnisch-mächtigen "Under Lights" erquickt, ist letztlich Geschmackssache, denn hier dürften sowohl die Fans etwas nachdenklicherer Klänge der Marke RAGE als auch alle obenständigen Power-Metaller auf ihre Kosten kommen. Frische und Innovationsfreude gepaart mit einem guten Gespür für Songaufbau und Spannung zeichnen BRAINSTORM meiner Meinung nach auf "Metus Mortis" ganz besonders aus. Auch auf Kleinigkeiten wie Songintros usw. wird hier akribisch geachtet, eine runde Angelegenheit von der ersten bis zur letzten Sekunde eben. Wenn man jetzt noch den bombastischen Sound und das sehr gefällige Coverartwork der Platte in die Bewertung mit einbezieht, so bleibt wahrlich ein hervorragender Nachgeschmack. In diesem Sinne: "Keep up the good work!"
Powermetal.de · Peter Kubaschk
Das neue, vierte Album der fünf Schwaben dürfte BRAINSTORM jetzt endgültig in der Champions-League der deutschen Metal-Combos etablieren. Live sind sie spätestens mit der Verpflichtung von Andy B. Franck (v.) längst auf der linken Spur an allen vergleichbaren deutschen Bands vorbeigezogen. Unendliche Energie, kraftvolle Songs und sympathische Natürlichkeit machen jeden Gig zu einem Erlebnis. Das dürfte jeder, der BRAINSTORM in Wacken oder Balingen gesehen hat, bestätigen.
Hinzu kommt, dass sich BRAINSTORM wohltuend von der Masse abheben und nicht wie der x-te HELLOWEEN-Klon klingen, sondern Ihre Wurzeln deutlich bei alten US-Power-Metal-Heroen wie METAL CHURCH oder VICIOUS RUMORS liegen. Dabei aber trotzdem durch clevere Arrangements, feine, passende Key's und die guten Lyrics von Andy eine gehörige Portion Eigenständigkeit mitbringen.
Los geht es nach dem kurzen Intro "Metus Mortis" mit dem Riffgewitter "Blind Suffering", das schon die Marschrichtung für das gesamte Album vorgibt. Meist kurze, knackige, mit viel Power versehene Songs, die oftmals mit hymnenartigen Refrains zu überzeugen wissen. In diese Kerbe schlagen z.B. auch noch "Shadowland", "Cycles" oder "Strength Of Will".
Für die nötige Abwechslung sorgen dann Nummern wie "Checkmate In Red", das die Fortsetzung von "Maharaja Palace" darstellt und wieder mit orientalisch anmutenden Melody- und im Chorus auch Vocallines überzeugt, oder die epischen "Weakness Sows It Seeds" und "Under Lights" (mit tollem Chorus und noch tollerem Solo von Todde (g.)).
"Behind" beschäftigt sich mit dem Nah-Ost-Konflikt und überzeugt nicht nur mit Power und hymnenartigen Refrain, sondern auch mit der kritischen Hinterfragung der Situation im nahen Osten, wo man schon von Kind auf aufgrund seines Geburtsortes als Freund oder Feind betrachtet wird. Klasse!
Da das Werk von Achim Köhler (u.a. PRIMAL FEAR) einmal mehr glänzend produziert wurde und so die Songs auch ordentlich knallen, steht einer Kaufempfehlung für alle BRAINSTORM-Anhänger und Freunde von US-Power-Metal überhaupt nix im Wege.
Resurrection · 9/10 · P.Z.
Wenn es jemals einen perfekten Einheizer gegeben hat, dann waren es BRAINSTORM anno 1998 vor ICED EARTH. Es war eine Wonne zuzuschauen, wie die damals fast völlig unbekannten Deutschen das Salzburger Publikum von den ersten Takten von "Holy war" an auf ihrer Seite hatten. Das (vermeintlich) einfache Rezept hieß: Amerikanisch angehauchter, manchmal leicht thrashiger, aber immer hochmelodischer Power Metal. Und daran hat sich glücklicherweise bis heute nichts geändert. Im Gegenteil: Auf "Metus mortis" haben BRAINSTORM ihren irgendwo zwischen FORBIDDEN und VICIOUS RUMORS angesiedelten Stil perfektioniert. Zudem scheint Sänger Andy B. Franck nun vollständig in das Bandgefüge integriert. Seine kraftvollen, mittelhohen Vocals passen meiner Meinung nach auch besser zum BRAINSTORM-Sound als die seiner Vorgänger Henning Basse (jetzt bei METALIUM) und Marcus Jürgens (jetzt irgendwo in der Versenkung). Stellt sich nur die Frage, warum sich der gute Andy im Refrain von "Weakness sows its seed" plötzlich kurzzeitig an Death-Grunts versucht? Die Antwort zu suchen ist indes müßig, denn "Metus mortis" knallt von vorne ("Blind suffering") bis hinten ("Strength of will")! Dieser Band hört man ihre Herkunft definitiv nicht an.
Rock Hard · 9/10 · Götz Kühnemund
Welch ein Hammer! Mit ihrem vierten Album haben es BRAINSTORM endgültig geschafft, ihren Ruf als „deutsche Antwort auf Metal Church und Vicious Rumors“ zu zementieren - und zwar ohne Qualitätsabstriche! Die fette Gitarrenarbeit, die ein Killerriff nach dem anderen hervorzaubert (und wir reden hier nicht von Nu Metal-Billig-Riffs!), entstammt tatsächlich der alten Metal Church-Schule und übertrifft die letzten Releases der Herren Wayne, Vanderhoof & Co. um Längen. Und BRAINSTORM verstehen es zudem, jeden einzelnen Song dieses obergeilen Power Metal-Albums mit Refrains zu veredeln, die euch schon nach dem ersten Durchlauf nicht mehr aus dem Kopf gehen. Getragen von Andy B. Francks kraftvoll-melodischer Stimme, haben es BRAINSTORM geschafft, ihre bereits auf den ersten drei Alben vorhandenen Stärken so zu bündeln, dass man sich ihnen als Old School-Metal-Fan nicht mehr entziehen kann. Ich weiß nicht, welche Anspieltipps ich euch nennen sollte, denn für mich enthält „Metus Mortis“ keinen einzigen Füller. Egal, welchen Song ihr euch herauspickt, ihr werdet sofort begeistert mitbangen!
BRAINSTORM haben sich mit diesem auch soundtechnisch erstklassigen Werk an die Spitze der deutschen Metal-Szene gesetzt und euren Support verdient!
Vampster · Psycho
Nach der schon vielversprechenden Pre-Listening-Session im Juni dieses Jahres im House Of Music-Studio (siehe Studioreport), ereilte mich die Promo-CD des aktuellen Werkes "Metus Mortis". "Metus Mortis" (zu deutsch: Todesfurcht) ist das nun schon vierte Studioalbum von BRAINSTORM und gleichzeitig der zweite Output mit Andy B. Franck hinter dem Mikro.
Eines schon vorneweg: "Metus Mortis" ist stärker als der Vorgänger "Ambiguity" ausgefallen. Sowohl die Instrumentalisten, als auch Sänger Andy haben sich selbst übertroffen. Die 12 Tracks (inkl. Intro) sind allesamt abwechslungsreicher, aber wiederum eingängiger und zeigen deutlich, dass BRAINSTORM endlich ihren passenden Stil gefunden haben.
Nach dem kurzen, aber interessanten Intro, welches gleichzeitig der Titeltrack "Metus Mortis" ist, geht das Quintett flüssig über in den Uptempo-Song "Blind Suffering". Treibend und doublebasslastig in PRIMAL FEAR-Manier. Für mich jedoch einer der schwächeren Stücke des Albums.
Das folgende "Shadowland" hingegen beginnt für BRAINSTORM-Verhältnisse sehr thrashig und geht in Stakkato-Riffing des Gitarrenduos Ihlenfeld/Loncaric über. Sehr gut gefällt mir das akzentuierte Drumming von Dieter Bernert. Das Highlight ist der, mit rasenden Bassdrums untermalte, eingängige Refrain.
Einer der herausragenden Tracks von "Metus Mortis" ist "Checkmate In Red". Im Midtempo gehalten mit orientalem Touch, erinnert "Checkmate In Red" teilweise an das grandiose "Maharaja Palace" vom Vorgänger "Ambiguity". Viele schöne Melodien und ein gelungener mehrstimmiger Refrain prägen den Song.
Mit Streichereinsatz erwartet uns bei "Hollow Hideaway" ein weiterer Midtempokracher. Der Chorus ist zwar gelungen, jedoch klingt er mir zu typisch "deutsch". Ein weiteres Highlight mit genialen Vocalarrangements ist "Weakness Sows Ist Seeds". Der Track weist einen leicht melancholischen Charakter auf und vermittelt zumindest für meine Wenigkeit eine Gänsehautatmosphäre. Vor allem durch die gesprochenen, düsteren Textpassagen. Cool!
"Into The Never" geht wieder gut ab. Ein fetter, drückender "Prügelsong" mit leicht rauen Vocals, welche Andy B. Franck sehr gut zu Gesicht stehen. Wird bestimmt ein Livekracher. Durch ein Gitarrenlead eingeleitet, variiert "Under Lights" zwischen Akkustikteilen, getragenen Gesangsparts und stampfenden Midtempoattitüden. Erneut ein gekonnter, eingängiger Refrain. Ein bewährter BRAINSTORM-Kracher erwartet uns bei "Cycles". Eher untypisch ist die zum Ohrwurmrefrain hinleitende Bridge.
"Behind" ist aggressiv, fies und rhythmusbetont. Der mehrstimmige Chorus erneut sehr melodisch und gut. Zunächst sperrig wirkt "Meet Me In The Dark" und kann die Klasse der anderen Songs nicht ganz erreichen. Zum Abschluß servieren uns die Schwaben mit "Strength Of Will" einen guten, treibenden Rausschmeißertrack, der nochmals die ganze Klasse der Band zeigt.
Freunde anspruchsvollen Power Metals sollten sich unbedingt "Metus Mortis" zulegen. Denn BRAINSTORM sind besser als je zuvor und haben sich auf allen Positionen gesteigert. "Goldkelchen" Andy zeigt, dass er mittlerweile fast keinen Vergleich mit einem anderen Sänger Europas scheuen muss. Die Rhythmusfraktion wirkt variabler und zeigt so manche Überraschung. Das Gitarrenduo schüttelt sich ein cooles Riff nach dem anderen aus dem Ärmel.
Mit "Metus Mortis" ordnet sich die sympathische Band locker auf den oberen Treppchen der europäischen Power Metal-Liga ein. Kaufen!
Walls Of Fire · 8/10 · Mac Duff
Als ich auf dem BYH 2001 morgens um 12.00 Uhr zur Bühne schlurfte, um mir die mir noch unbekannten BRAINSTORM reinzuziehen, war ich doch angenehm überrascht, wie energiegeladen eine Band, allen voran Sänger Andy B.Franck, sein kann. Und obwohl ich irgendwo beim Mischpult stand, schlugen meine Bangsensoren aus. Respekt! Mit einem gewissen Interesse erwartete ich somit die neue, vierte Scheibe „Metus Mortis“, die nun, gute drei Monate später, in meinem Player rotieren darf. Freunde des Heavy und Power Metals dürfen sich freuen, denn Brainstorm liefern hier reinste Kost ab, die aber auch etwas für die Feinschmecker unter euch sein dürfte. Besonders gut schmeckt mir die kraftvolle Stimme von Andy B. Franck, die hervorragend mit den Dampfhammer-Riffs harmoniert. Meistens erzeugen die Brainstorm Songs solch einen Bangzwang, dass es schon fast an Nötigung grenzt. Und allein das sollte schon ein Kaufargument für die sich angesprochen Fühlenden sein. Die Deutschen Metaller können aber auch anders, und ein paar schöne, hymnische Stampfer einspielen, wie z.Bsp. „Hollow Hideaway“. Die Ursprünge Brainstorms werden wohl im Heavy Metal der Achtziger liegen, da man auch so manche Anleihen an METALLICA und MEGADETH heraushören kann. Dennoch verhält man sich nicht urkonservativ und probiert auch mal was aus, wie die Stimmeffekte bei „Into the never“. Die frische Produktion unterstützt das Gefühl, dass man es hier nicht mit Altbackenem zu tun hat, sondern mit einer Heavy Metal CD anno 2001. Leider vermisse ich Vielfalt bei den Refrains, da ich immer noch nicht die Reffis der verschiedenen Lieder auseinander halten kann. Aber das trübt die Hörfreude nur beiläufig und alles in Allem ist „Metus Mortis“ ein Album, das sich die Bangfreudigen unter euch , die vielleicht von den neuen Alben bedeutender Top-Acts wie ICED EARTH enttäuscht wurden, getrost ins Regal stellen können.
Metal Impact · Lord Natas
Brainstorm n’est pas uniquement le nom d’un jeu où l’on se triture les méninges pour trouver dix bonnes réponses. C’est aussi le nom d’un combo allemand qui a su s’affirmer malgré moult déboires, en trouvant en la personne d’Andy B. Franck, un chanteur fabuleux. Brainstorm ne tombe pas de la dernière pluie puisque le groupe existe depuis 1989 et aux fils des années et de multiples pérégrinations inhérentes à la musique, les teutons font preuve de plus de détermination que jamais.
"Soul Temptation" avec sa magnifique pochette est une véritable bombe. Depuis leur signature chez Metal Blade, les allemands ont pris une autre dimension. Le Heavy Speed Metal de leur début est aujourd’hui obsolète laissant place à un Power Heavy Metal de tout premier ordre.
Les compositions sont puissantes tel “Doorway To Survive”, “Dying Outside”, “To The Head” mais aussi mélodiques “Fading”, “Rising”. La pièce maîtresse de cet album est sans conteste “Trinity Of Lust", avec quinze minutes au compteur et un coté oriental fort agréable. Comme à l’accoutumé Andy B. Franck (qui œuvre aussi dans Symphorce), excelle dans ses parties vocales. La production non plus n’est pas en reste car elle restitue parfaitement la puissance du groupe.
"Soul Temptation" est un excellent album qui va permettre à Brainstorm de franchir un palier supplémentaire et un groupe sur lequel il faudra désormais compter. Ne passer pas à coté.
Metal Mayhem · 3/5 · Per-Ola Nilsson
Här var det hårdrock från allas vårt Sauerkrautland. Frågan är dock om Brainstorm, som här kommer med sitt fjärde album, har varit snälla pojkar och ätit sin surkål var dag. Det låter nämligen ganska amerikanskt över Metus Mortis, med Iced Earth och Jag Panzer som två band som dyker upp i tankarna när man hör Brainstorm.
Ibland kan det kanske vara hälsosamt att sticka surkålen under bordet och tänka lite på hundens skrikande mage, för det här låter inte så tokigt. Metus Mortis är mestadels ganska tung och har en mörk ljudbild. Snabba dubbelkaggepartier finns också, som då mest påminner om sentida Helloween. Körerna är också väldigt starka, och här snackar vi riktiga machokörer och inte mesiga gospelkörer.
Någon låt som så där riktigt sticker ut från mängden finns det inte, även om Weakness Sows Its Seeds nog får min röst som lagets viktigaste spelare. Brainstorm lyckas med att inte låta som alla andra band, men någon riktig extas lyckas de inte framkalla hos mig. Visserligen innehåller skivan en del riktigt bra låtar, men också ett par slätstrukna nummer som sänker helhetsintrycket.
